– The original script for Raw was rewritten several times before the show. Vince McMahon had writers rewrite the show as late as 3pm.
– The script for Raw called for the usual multi-qualifying match format to determine wrestlers involved in the Elimination Chamber match. Vince decided late in the day to roll with the 6-Man Tag, with all three winners qualifying. Good move for once.
– CM Punk was originally scheduled for RAW to further his angle with Kane, but during the rewrite it was decided to leave Punk off and allow them to continue their feud next week while Punk sold the injuries this week.
– Big Show was also sent home following the Rumble to sell his injuries at the hands of Brock Lesnar. Show should be back shortly, possibly by the weekend house shows.
– International Superstar KENTA from Japan is currently down at the WWE Training Facility. KENTA is expected to continue working out for WWE for the full week. This is being considered his WWE tryout.
– The plan is now for WWE to push Antonio Cesaro & Jack Swagger into a higher spot on the card. Zeb Colter’s slap to Swagger was to “light a fire under his team”, but it was also to wake the audience up so they’d take notice of the aggressive action that followed. For now, plans are for the Real Americans to receive a push.
– Feelings backstage were that the Rumble match was “pretty good”, though outside of Kofi’s giant leap there were no memorable highlights. Jamie Noble was named the agent to lay out the match to the wrestlers and the full blame lays on Noble for a less than spectacular Rumble match. It should be noted that Noble wasn’t given the final script to work with the guys until 6pm that day. Ouch!
– Xavier Woods & Bad News Barrett were removed from the Rumble in favor of JBL & El Torito respectively. I’m not sure who thought that JBL spot would be better than giving current talent a spot, but that’s the WWE for you.
– Ring Announcer Lillian Garcia announced today that she has signed a one year extension with the company. Congrats Lillian!
– Bad news for Hunico, now Sin Cara version 2.0. WWE has completely given up on the Cara character and it will likely be phased out by the summer. WWE has only kept the character around due to the upcoming Scooby Doo movie that features Cara as one of the many wrestlers involved, and also because of stellar merchandising sales.
– Independent Referee Dee Edwards made his WWE debut last night on RAW
– After their back and forth on Twitter earlier this month, the Ultimate Warrior appears to have buried the hatchet with Jake Roberts. Warrior commented on the announcement of Jake Roberts in the WWE HoF. Warrior wrote; “We’ve all been a-holes. Now two are #HOF inductees; each great yet unique in talent, each deserving. Congratulations, Jake. Now, who will be the next a-hole inducted? This a-hole theme for #WWEHOF Class of 2014 is becoming interesting. I like it…let’s run w/ it.”
– There are plans to turn Batista heel, but not until after WrestleMania XXX
– As of this moment, it appears the Elimination Chamber card will feature the Chamber match (currently involving Orton, Cena, Sheamus, Bryan, and 2 remaining spots), CM Punk vs. Kane, Batista vs. Alberto Del Rio, and The Shield vs. The Wyatt Family (either in a 6-Man, or in a tag team match, with Reigns & Wyatt participating in the Chamber match). There has been no hint as to what the plans are for Brock Lesnar, but he is scheduled to face the Undertaker at WM30.
– As promised, Mick Foley smashed his TV after Daniel Bryan was held from participating in the Royal Rumble. Video below
